Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2022 02 18

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Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes December 17, 2021 Page 2of4 Action #2-6: The Committee suggested that businesses be engaged about forum topics, through polling, at the event, and through the Downtown Business Association and Chamber of Commerce. Public comment from Mark Oberholzer: Mr. Oberholzer commented that the previous iterations of the business forum were invaluable to the business community. Action #2-9: Public comment from Mark Oberholzer: Mr. Oberholzer questioned how the ombudsman would differ from the current role of Economic Vitality. Director Pierce confirmed that there would not be any staffing changes, but that staff would improve engagement and awareness of services that Economic Vitality offers. Mr. Oberholzer also commented that the DBA is hoping to expand their resources available to the business community. Public comment from Amber Thiel, Executive Director of the Louisville Chamber of Commerce: Ms. Thiel added that the Chamber discussed this during their strategic planning session and offered the Chamber's services in collaborating to make these resources readily available to the business community. Action #4-3: Public comment from Amber Thiel: Ms. Thiel asked for clarification on the membership directory and questioned whether there could be some room for collaboration with the Chamber. Director Pierce shared the online directory and Ms. Thiel offered the Chamber's services in helping to collect information. Councilmembers Most and Dickinson agreed that partnership with the Chamber will be helpful for updating and promoting the directory, and that the directory should be easily accessible to the business community. Action #5-3: Public comment from Mike Kranzdorf, downtown commercial property owner: Mr. Kranzdorf commented that a business may elect not to participate in the Green Business program again once they have completed all of the incentives or those that are not a major expenditure. Councilmember Fahey requested a list of businesses that have participated in the program by tier, including an estimated percentage of brick -and -mortar Louisville businesses that have participated to -date. The Committee and Director Pierce then reviewed outreach and communications with the business community. She commented that timing and the strategic plan are both key factors in making sure that the business community is up to date with potential policy changes at the Council level. Councilmember Dickinson agreed that in order to gain input, EVC needs to Agenda Packet P. 3